PM Modi lauds Lion conservation efforts

New Delhi: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the World Lion Day, today lauded the conservation efforts in Gujarat to increase the population of lions in recent years.

“The lion is majestic and courageous. India is proud to be home to the Asiatic Lion. On World Lion Day, I convey my greetings to all those passionate about lion conservation. It would make you happy that the last few years have seen a steady increase in India’s lion population,” PM Modi tweeted on Tuesday. “When I was serving as Gujarat CM, I had the opportunity to work towards ensuring safe and secure habitats for the Gir Lions. A number of initiatives were taken which involved local communities and global best practices to ensure habitats are safe and tourism also gets a boost.”

When I was serving as Gujarat CM, I had the opportunity to work towards ensuring safe and secure habitats for the Gir Lions. A number of initiatives were taken which involved local communities and global best practices to ensure habitats are safe and tourism also gets a boost. pic.twitter.com/0VEGmh7Ygj

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2021

According to the Gujarat Forest department, the Asiatic Lion population in Gir national park has increased by 29% in the past five years — from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020. The distribution of Lions has increased by 36% from 22,000 sqkm in 2015 to 30,000 sqkm.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the Centre is planning to soon start Project Lion to address conservation gaps.

The lion is majestic and courageous. India is proud to be home to the Asiatic Lion. On World Lion Day, I convey my greetings to all those passionate about lion conservation. It would make you happy that the last few years have seen a steady increase in India’s lion population. pic.twitter.com/GaCEXnp7hG

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2021